Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has been granted an indefinite leave of absence by the club following a personal request, according to reports emerging on Monday. The decision comes at a delicate moment in the season, with the Spanish giants preparing for a key league clash against fourth-placed Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Araujo was unexpectedly absent from Barcelona’s matchday squad during Saturday’s 3-1 home win against Alaves. At the time, manager Hansi Flick attributed the defender’s omission to a “stomach virus,” offering no further details about the situation. The Uruguayan’s last appearance came earlier in the week during the club’s 3-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, a match in which he was sent off just before halftime after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella.

According to reporting from The Athletic, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco met with Araujo’s representatives on Monday. During the meeting, the 28-year-old requested time away from the sport, and the club agreed, committing to give him the space he needs to step back from football for an unspecified period.

Speaking to reporters earlier on Monday, Flick stressed that the matter was personal and asked for sensitivity surrounding the issue. “It is a private situation, I don’t want to say more. And please, if you can respect it, I would appreciate it,” he said, declining to expand on the circumstances behind Araujo’s request.

Barcelona did not immediately respond to a request for comment made outside normal business hours, leaving many questions about the defender’s situation unanswered. Still, the club’s decision to grant indefinite leave signals a willingness to prioritize the player’s well-being at a time when his leadership and defensive presence are vital.

Araujo’s absence now adds an unexpected challenge for Barcelona, which currently sits at the top of the La Liga table. The team is preparing to host Atletico Madrid in a match that could prove critical in the title race. While the club has shown confidence in its squad depth throughout the season, losing its captain—both a key figure on the pitch and within the locker room—creates a notable void ahead of Tuesday’s high-stakes encounter.

For now, Barcelona appears focused on supporting Araujo through his private situation, while fans and teammates alike await clarity on when their captain may return.